Amputee softball team to play in Washington Aug. 24

The national Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST), will challenge the correctional officers of State Correction Institutions in Pittsburgh and Greene County at noon and 3 p.m. August 24 at Lew Hayes Pony Field in Washington.

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball team is comprised of young, competitive, athletic military veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs post-9/11, while serving their country. The WWAST includes veterans with a variety of amputations of the arm, above knee, below knee, bilateral below knee and foot.

WWAST founder and General Manager David Van Sleet said, “It is an honor for our team to return to Washington County to play against SCI Pittsburgh and SCI Greene. We pride ourselves on giving back to the community and country and this is going to be a special event for all. Our hope is to continue to inspire those who see our team play, especially those who suffered the same types of injuries as our players.”

The August 24 game will be the team’s only stop in Pennsylvania this year, with the event also bringing awareness of Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, a local program founded by Vietnam Veterans in 1982 that today serves 2,000+ homeless, poor and middle class Veterans and their families in the Pittsburgh region.

Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Both games are included in the ticket price. To purchase tickets or make donations, go to www.ffop.org (credit card/PayPal) or mail checks or money orders to WWAST, 5243 West Windhaven Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, or purchase at gate on game day. (Space is limited.)

Prior to the game, there will be a motorcycle procession escorting the team to the field. Cyclists can begin to line up at Tanger Outlet parking lot in Washington at 8 a.m. At 10:15, cyclists will begin escort of the team bus through Washington to the field. Participation in the motorcycle procession is free; game tickets must be purchased.

Gates at the field, located at Park Road No. 1, Washington, open at 10 a.m. with honor guard detail beginning at 11:45. Limited bleacher seating. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for field perimeter seating. Sorry, no outside food, beverages or coolers permitted in the park. A concession stand will be available.